Neves became Wolves' £15.8 million record signing last summer, and has repaid them with six goals and an assist en route to promotion to the Premier League.

The 21-year-old had already made 16 Champions League appearances and won two caps for Portugal prior to his arrival at Molineux, prompting links to a number of top European sides.

And, writing in his latest column for the Daily Mirror (April 17th, page 51), Collymore is backing both Neves and Wolves to make an impression on the Premier League next season - providing their best players aren't 'punted' on to other clubs on the continent.

"Not only can Wolves stay up in the Premier League next season but they could do it with the team they've got now," says the former Wolves youth team player. "Their technical ability is exceptional and in Ruben Neves, who is only 21, they have a player who could be a superstar. I could see him being at Liverpool now.

"If (the owners' aim is to build the club up) then they have the money and contracts to not just be a bottom-half side, saying: 'Let's stay in the Premier League,' but one that could finish somewhere between ninth and 12th place.

"They have the stadium and infrastructure to be a Premier League side for some time."

Incidentally, Liverpool could be looking to strengthen in Neves' position this summer, with Emre Can expected to leave Anfield at the end of his contract.

The Champions League semi-finalists have already agreed a deal to sign RB Leipzig's Naby Keita as Philippe Coutinho's replacement.